Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Nuclear Power Stations: Bradwell-on-Sea

Lord Howell of Guildford: To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made on plans for the construction of a new nuclear power-generating facility at Bradwell-on-Sea.

Lord Callanan: I understand the developer is focussing on prioritising technical aspects with associated risks including impact of Covid-19 on their project, whilst pausing other areas of work including detailed preparations for Development Consent Order application, with the aim of re-engaging and sequencing their overall development programme in the future. This is a commercial decision for the developer, new nuclear projects are developer led, and it is not a matter for the Government.

Attorney General

Crown Prosecution Service: ICT

Baroness Doocey: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Keen of Elie on 19 February 2016 (HL6037), whether the Crown Prosecution Service's IT systems can undertake electronic searches of relevant records by character string; and if not, whethera system update is planned.

Lord Stewart of Dirleton: There is no planned update or change to Crown Prosecutions Service’s existing IT systems to undertake electronic searches of relevant records by character string.

Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have (1) to monitor sewerage to track COVID-19 prevalence and outbreaks, or (2) to provide funding to local authorities to do so.

Lord Bethell: The Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection Programme is an innovative way to monitor community health and involves monitoring sewage for the presence of COVID-19, including variants of concern. It provides an understanding where the virus is circulating in the population and identify future potential spikes in infection, so action can be taken to stop transmission. The Programme is rapidly expanding its coverage to provide continuous monitoring at a local level and across England.Wastewater testing has been used to support several local authorities to rapidly understand where local outbreaks are occurring and to detect the emergence of variants of concern in their areas. This involves working intensively with local authority and public health teams to identify areas for focused wastewater testing. It also provides reassurance to local communities who are impacted. The Programme is funded and delivered in England by the Joint Biosecurity Centre in partnership with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at no cost to local authorities.

Coronavirus: Hospitals

Lord Greaves: To ask Her Majesty's Government when each NHS Nightingale Hospital opened;how many patients have been accommodated in each such hospital in each week sincethey opened; whether any such hospitals have been permanently closed; and, if any such hospitals have closed, when.

Lord Bethell: The opening dates of each of the Nightingale sites are shown in the following table. DateNightingale Site3 April 2020London16 April 2020Birmingham17 April 2020Manchester21 April 2020Harrogate27 April 2020Bristol5 May 2020Sunderland6 July 2020Exeter  This number of patients accommodated is not available in the format requested. NHS England and NHS Improvement are collating some data relating to patient activity in the Nightingale hospitals but this information has not been centrally validated. Only the NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter, NHS Nightingale Hospital North West and the NHS Nightingale Hospital London have provided inpatient services. Nightingale hospitals were activated based on local clinical decisions in response to patient demand and are now in the process of being decommissioned.

Hospitals: Coronavirus

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the report by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch COVID-19 transmission in hospitals: management of the risk – a prospective safety investigation, published in October 2020, what steps they are taking to ensure that (1) NHS Trusts can comply with national infection prevention and control guidance and (2)hospital design takes account of (a) how staff interactin non-clinical areas, and (b) the way in which those interactions may increase the risk of nosocomial transmission.

Lord Bethell: Individual National Health Service organisations are responsible for implementing infection prevention and control measures in line with Public Health England’s national infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance to minimise in-hospital transmission of COVID-19 and support patient safety. The actions each organisation undertakes to meet the national IPC guidance must take into account the design of their estate and interactions between staff in both clinical and non-clinical areas. NHS England and NHS Improvement’s ten key actions for boards on IPC and testing published on 17 November and revised on 23 December, emphasises the importance of organisations ensuring that their staff practise good hygiene, maintain social distancing, avoid car sharing, wear appropriate personal protective equipment at work including face masks in non-clinical settings and minimise movement between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas. A copy of these actions is attached.Key actions for board on infection prevention (pdf, 110.0KB)

Social Services: Coronavirus

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Public Health England guidance COVID-19: Guidance for maintaining services within health and care settings: Infection prevention and control recommendations, published on 21 January, appliesto adult social care in England; and if not, why not.

Lord Bethell: The infection prevention and control (IPC) principles within the current guidance apply to healthcare staff in all healthcare settings, but do not apply to adult social care settings in England. The relevant guidance for workers in adult social care is the ‘How to Work Safely’ guidance documents, which must be followed to minimise the risk of transmission.The evidence base and core principles informing the IPC guidance are the same as those that inform the 'How to Work Safely’ guidance for adult social care. The difference being in the implementation stage, where the many distinct adult social care settings require balanced risk assessments to be undertaken.Copies of the guidances Personal protective equipment (PPE) – resource for care workers delivering homecare (domiciliary care) during sustained COVID-19 transmission in the UK and Personal protective equipment (PPE) – resource for care workers working in care homes during sustained COVID-19 transmission in England are attached.How To Work Safely In Domiciliary Care (pdf, 378.7KB)How To Work Safely In Care Homes (pdf, 368.5KB)

Hospitals: Coronavirus

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the report by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch COVID-19 transmission in hospitals: management of the risk – a prospective safety investigation, published in October 2020, what assessment they have made of the impact of hospital design on the transmission of infection; and what plans they have to issue new guidance on staff flow and interaction to mitigate that risk.

Lord Bethell: Individual National Health Service organisations are responsible for implementing infection prevention and control measures in line with Public Health England’s national infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance to minimise in-hospital transmission of COVID-19 and support patient safety. The actions each organisation undertakes to meet the national IPC guidance must take into account the design of their estate and interactions between staff in both clinical and non-clinical areas. NHS England and NHS Improvement’s ten key actions for boards on IPC and testing published on 17 November and revised on 23 December, emphasises the importance of organisations ensuring that their staff practise good hygiene, maintain social distancing, avoid car sharing, wear appropriate personal protective equipment at work including face masks in non-clinical settings and minimise movement between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas. A copy of these actions is attached.Key Actions (pdf, 110.0KB)

Oral Tobacco

Viscount Ridley: To ask Her Majesty's Government which scientific research they used to inform their decision on whether to maintainthe ban on snus.

Lord Bethell: Oral tobacco products such as snus were banned in the United Kingdom under The Tobacco for Oral Use (Safety) Regulations 1992, which implemented European Union Directive 92/41. This ban has been confirmed in subsequent regulations, most recently by the EU Tobacco Products Directive 14/40, which has been transposed into UK law in the Tobacco and Related Products Regulation 2016 (TRPR). The European Commission set out the evidence underpinning the ban in the Tobacco Products Directive’s impact assessment and in previous Directives. A copy of the impact assessment is attached.The Department is currently undertaking a post-implementation review of the TRPR and this includes a public consultation that closes on the 19 March 2021. The Department will review the evidence submitted to consider if the regulations have met their objectives or if any future regulatory changes should be considered.Impact assessment (pdf, 2458.1KB)

Department for Education

Students: Loans

Lord Jones of Cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the annual cost of removing interest payments from the student loans of health and social care workers.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: The student loans system is designed to protect borrowers, including those who are employed in health and social care. Repayments are made based on a borrower’s monthly or weekly income, not the interest rate or amount borrowed, and no repayments are made for earnings below the repayment thresholds. Any outstanding debt, including interest accrued, is written off at the end of the loan term with no detriment to the borrower.The people who would benefit most from an interest rate reduction are those high-earning borrowers who pay back all, or very nearly all, their student loans. The vast majority of those people who do not fully pay back their loans would not benefit because this part of their borrowing is written off. The government has not produced costings for the specific proposal to reduce student loan interest rates for health and social care workers.In total, the government subsidises around 50% of the overall cost of higher education, making a conscious investment in the skills and people of this country. From September 2020, all eligible new and continuing nursing, midwifery and many allied health students on pre-registration courses at English universities are able to receive at least £5,000 per academic year of additional maintenance grant funding that they will not need to pay back.

Turing Scheme

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the differences between (1) the Turing scheme, and (2) the Erasmus+ scheme.

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the decision not to pay for the tuition of disadvantaged students on the Turing scheme on the ability of such students to study abroad.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: Rather than being EU-focused, the Turing Scheme is truly global, and every country in the world will be eligible to partner with UK educational settings. It will be backed by £110 million of taxpayers’ money to support international projects and activities during the 2021/22 academic year. This will provide funding for around 35,000 students in universities, colleges, and schools to go on placements and exchanges overseas – a similar number as under Erasmus+.Under Erasmus+, we have seen that UK undergraduates from more advantaged backgrounds have been 1.7 times more likely to participate in mobilities compared to disadvantaged students. The Turing Scheme is targeted at all students, particularly the most disadvantaged. More information is available on the website: www.turing-scheme.org.uk, and in the Programme Guide, which can be accessed here: https://www.turing-scheme.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/The-Turing-Scheme-Guide-V1.pdf.Erasmus+ only provides travel support to partner countries, which make up less than 3% of the total number of outgoing Erasmus+ UK higher education mobilities. Unlike Erasmus+, the Turing Scheme provides support for travel costs to all destinations. For schools and colleges, all participants will receive travel funding. For disadvantaged students in higher education, the Turing Scheme will provide travel costs to all destinations. We are also going further than just direct travel costs, offering support for visas, passports, insurance and other related costs for disadvantaged students.All participating students will receive grants to contribute towards their cost of living, which will be dependent on the destination country. Under Erasmus+, higher education students can receive a maximum of €540 per month for the cost of living in programme countries, including the disadvantaged supplement. For an Erasmus+ study placement, this includes €370-420 per month for cost of living, plus €120 per month disadvantaged uplift. Under the Turing Scheme, participants can receive the equivalent of a maximum of €573 per month. This includes the equivalent of €392-445 per month for the cost of living, plus a €129 per month disadvantaged uplift. These rates are based on an exchange rate of 1.17 Euro to 1 Pound Sterling. Students can continue to apply for student finance.For all students participating in the Turing Scheme, we expect tuition fees to be waived by host institutions, as is typical under Erasmus+ and other exchange schemes. This is a matter for individual institutions to agree, and something that universities do as a matter of course when they form exchange partnerships with international providers.

School Day

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a longer school day on the mental health of students.

Baroness Berridge: The government is committed to helping all children and young people catch up on education lost as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. In January 2021, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, committed to work with parents, teachers, pupils and education providers to develop a long-term plan to help pupils make up their education over the course of this Parliament.We have also appointed Sir Kevan Collins as the Education Recovery Commissioner to advise on this broader plan and we will say more on this in due course. The objectives of the Education Recovery Commissioner, as outlined in the terms of reference, are to advise on the design and implementation of potential interventions that will help students catch up education lost due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The terms of reference for the Education Recovery Commissioner are published here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/960070/Terms_of_reference.pdf#:~:text=Education%20Recovery%20Commissioner%3A%20role%20specification%20and%20terms%20of,approach%20for%20education%20recovery%2C%20with%20a%20particular%20focus.The government is also committed to supporting children’s and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during this period. Schools can use their additional funding from the catch-up package for pastoral support for mental wellbeing where pupils need it.We have also set up ‘Wellbeing for Education Return’, an £8 million scheme funding expert advisers and training in every local authority area to support education staff to respond to the emotional and mental health pressures some children and young people may be feeling because of COVID-19. Over 90% of local authority areas in England have reported that they are delivering additional training and support into local schools and further education providers because of this funding.

Remote Education

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of remote learning on the attainment gap between students at state and private schools.

Baroness Berridge: School and college teachers and leaders have made tremendous efforts to provide high-quality remote education to pupils and students throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.During the period of national restrictions, all primary schools, secondary schools and further education colleges in England were expected to provide remote education for the majority of their pupils and students. From 8 March 2021, schools affected by the remote education temporary continuity direction are still required to provide remote education for pupils where their attendance would be contrary to government guidance or legislation around COVID-19: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/remote-education-temporary-continuity-direction-explanatory-note. This includes, for example, where such guidance means that a class, group, or small number of pupils need to self-isolate or that clinically extremely vulnerable children need to shield.Independent schools (not including academies) are not all covered by the remote education temporary continuity direction, however they have been expected to meet the Independent School Standards in full at all times. This includes the requirement to meet all of the education requirements set out in part 1 of the Independent School Standards.We have commissioned an independent research and assessment agency (Renaissance Learning) to provide a baseline assessment of catch-up needs for pupils in schools in England and monitor progress over the course of the year to help us target support across the system.The department’s research on lost education has produced interim findings based on more than 400,000 Renaissance Learning reading and maths assessments taken in the first autumn half-term of 2020-21, published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupils-progress-in-the-2020-to-2021-academic-year-interim-report.The research shows that, in autumn 2020, pupils in years 3 to 9 were between 1.6 and 2 months behind their expected level in reading, and pupils in years 3 to 7 were around 3 months behind their expected level in maths, underlining the need for the targeted support announced. The study does not analyse differences in independent school pupils’ and state school pupils’ attainment.The government is committed to helping all children and young people make up education lost as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. As an immediate step, we have made available £1.7 billion in funding to support education recovery for pupils across early years settings, schools and colleges.We have also appointed Sir Kevan Collins as the Education Recovery Commissioner to advise on the approach of education recovery and the development of a long-term plan to help pupils make up their education over the course of this Parliament.

Headteachers: Labour Turnover

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the retention of school headteachers is improved.

Baroness Berridge: Retaining the best headteachers is vital to improving pupil outcomes and delivering an excellent education for all children.In order to provide leaders with the best evidence-based training and the support they need to be successful, we are reforming 3 existing National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) in senior leadership, headship and executive leadership.To further support those taking an NPQ in Headship, we are also offering a tailored support package for new headteachers in their first 2 years of headship when they are at their least experienced and most at risk of leaving the profession. Improving understanding of what works in schools and of what great leadership looks like will support school leaders in feeling well equipped to deal with challenges while helping to reduce the workload burden.

Outdoor Education: Finance

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide additional financial support to outdoor educational centres.

Baroness Berridge: Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, the government has sought to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods across the UK, and support businesses and public services. The government has provided over £280 billion through small business grants, COVID-19 loan guarantee schemes, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), deferral of VAT and income tax payments, and more. The measures introduced have been designed to be accessible to businesses in most sectors and across the UK.In January 2021, my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced an extension to the deadline for applications of the Bounce Back Loan scheme and other loan schemes until 31 March 2021. Further measures were announced in the Budget 2021 on 3 March including the extension of the CJRS until the end of September 2021, and increased support for the self-employed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grants, with a fifth grant available from July 2021, and the Recovery Loans Scheme launching to make finance available to help businesses of all sizes through the next stage of recovery. More details of the scheme will be announced in due course.The government will continue to work closely with local authorities, businesses, business representative organisations, and the financial services sector to monitor the implementation of current support and understand whether there is additional need.The government encourages businesses who are unable to access support or who are unsure of the support available to access free tailored advice through the Business Support Helpline via the Business Support website at: www.gov.uk/business-support-helpline or through local Growth Hubs in England: www.lepnetwork.net/local-growth-hub-contacts. Businesses in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can access business support through the devolved governments.

GCE A-level: Assessments

Lord Storey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what arrangements are in place for assessing A-Levels for private candidates.

Baroness Berridge: There will be a clear and accessible route for private candidates to work with a centre to receive a grade this year, at the same time as other candidates, and without significantly increased cost to a normal year.Private candidates should be assessed in a similar way to other students, by a recognised exam centre using a range of evidence, which could include taking the exam board provided assessment materials in a suitable form. Ofqual and the exam boards will issue guidance on the forms of evidence that can be used, taking into account private candidates’ different circumstances.Private candidates should have the same opportunity as other students to be assessed on what they were taught, and exam boards should allow centres to conduct assessments remotely. We are working with the sector to ensure there are sufficient centres accepting private candidates and a list of available centres will be published shortly. Further guidance from exam boards on assessing all candidates will follow.

Ministry of Justice

Protection from Eviction Act 1977: Prosecutions

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many prosecutions have been brought under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 for (1) harassment, and (2) unlawful eviction, offences by each police force in England and Wales in each of the past three financial years.

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many successful prosecutions there wereunder the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 for (1) harassment, and (2) unlawful eviction, offences broken down by each police force in England and Wales in each of the past three financial years.

Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: The Ministry of Justice holds data on prosecutions and outcomes for offences regarding harassment and unlawful eviction under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 in England and Wales, up to the year ending December 2019. The following are the offences that were considered:Unlawful eviction of occupierUnlawful harassment of occupier Figures can be found on the tables below.Table 1a: Prosecutions and convictions for unlawful eviction of occupier under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, by financial year(1)(2)(3)ProsecutionsConvictionsPolice Force Area2016/172017/182018/192016/172017/182018/19Avon and Somerset001000Bedfordshire000000Cambridgeshire042020Cheshire400400City of London000000Cleveland010000Cumbria000000Derbyshire000000Devon and Cornwall100100Dorset000000Durham000000Dyfed-Powys000000Essex120120Gloucestershire000000Greater Manchester001000Gwent000000Hampshire010010Hertfordshire100010Humberside122120Kent000000Lancashire000000Leicestershire000000Lincolnshire001001Merseyside000000Metropolitan Police258232Norfolk000000North Wales000000North Yorkshire000000Northamptonshire200010Northumbria003001Nottinghamshire001001South Wales000000South Yorkshire425324Special/miscellaneous and unknown police forces000000Staffordshire000100Suffolk000000Surrey000000Sussex010010Thames Valley202202Warwickshire001000West Mercia300300West Midlands202101West Yorkshire011001Wiltshire000000 Total231930191513  Table 1b: Prosecutions and convictions for unlawful harassment of occupier under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, by financial year(1)(2)(3)ProsecutionsConvictionsPolice Force Area2016/172017/182018/192016/172017/182018/19Avon and Somerset001100Bedfordshire000000Cambridgeshire310110Cheshire100000City of London000000Cleveland000000Cumbria000000Derbyshire000000Devon and Cornwall000000Dorset000000Durham000000Dyfed-Powys000000Essex001000Gloucestershire000000Greater Manchester300000Gwent000000Hampshire000000Hertfordshire000000Humberside524401Kent000000Lancashire000000Leicestershire000000Lincolnshire001000Merseyside002001Metropolitan Police727722Norfolk000000North Wales000000North Yorkshire000000Northamptonshire010010Northumbria000000Nottinghamshire002000South Wales003000South Yorkshire1010520Special/miscellaneous and unknown police forces000000Staffordshire042031Suffolk000000Surrey100100Sussex000000Thames Valley003000Warwickshire100100West Mercia000000West Midlands201200West Yorkshire100100Wiltshire000000 Total3411272395PQ HL13982; PQ HL13983Source: MoJ Court Proceedings Database(1) The figures presented relate to defendants for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe(2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.(3) A defendant who is sent from magistrates’ courts to the Crown Court may not have both courts' processes complete within the same year. Defendants who appear before both courts may also be convicted at the Crown Court for a different offence to that for which they are counted as having been originally proceeded against at magistrates’ court, where the offence is changed after committal. This means that for a given year convictions may exceed prosecutions or sentences may not equal convictions

Prisons: Body Searches

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce a new section to Procedures for searching people: PSI 07/2016, published on 26 July 2016, on the conduct of searches by transgender prison officers.

Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: The national policy on the searching of prisoners, staff and visitors (PSI 07/2016 – Searching of the Person) is currently under review and a revised version is intended to be published later this year. The updated policy will include direction on transgender staff conducting searches. This will account for staff with or without a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC). In reviewing the policy, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has consulted with the Government’s Legal Department and HMPPS Equalities Team. The new policy will be compliant with the Equality Act 2010, Gender Recognition Act 2004 and the European Convention of Human Rights.

Interim Management Orders

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many interim management orders were made by the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)in each of the last three financial years.

Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: HM Courts & Tribunal Services understands the reference to “interim management orders” to be interim Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs). The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) does not make interim EDMOs. Local authorities make interim EDMOs and seek authorisation by the Tribunal. The Tribunal has a number of EDMO-related jurisdictions. The table below shows the total number of EDMO-related decisions issued for the three full financial years. Full financial yearsNumber of Decisions*2017/2018102018/201952019/20205 *All EDMO cases types and all outcomesData source: Operationally Sourced Case Management DataThe above data was generated on a different date to the information contained in quarterly published statistics and was produced specifically for this enquiry.Although care is taken when processing and analysing the data, the details are subject to inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system and is the best data that is available at the time of this publication

Prisons: Body Searches

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that their review of Procedures for searching people: PSI 07/2016, published on 26 July 2016, takes account of the Equality Act 2010.

Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: The national policy on the searching of prisoners, staff and visitors (PSI 07/2016 – Searching of the Person) is currently under review and a revised version is intended to be published later this year. In reviewing the policy, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has consulted with the Government’s Legal Department and HMPPS Equalities Team. The new policy will be compliant with the Equality Act 2010, Gender Recognition Act 2004 and the European Convention of Human Rights. The updated policy will include direction on transgender staff conducting searches. This will account for staff with or without a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).

Prisons: Body Searches

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to revise the current policy that women prisoners have the right to be searched only by officers of female sex assigned at birth, as outlined in Procedures for searching people: PSI 07/2016, published on 26 July 2016, as part of their review of those procedures.

Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: The national policy on the searching of prisoners, staff and visitors (PSI 07/2016 – Searching of the Person) is currently under review and a revised version is intended to be published later this year. The updated policy will include direction on transgender staff conducting searches. This will encompass staff with or without a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC). This policy allows for male officers to conduct rub down searches on the same sex only and female officers to conduct rub down searches on both sexes and has been in place since 1992. Full searches must only be conducted by a person of the same sex. In accordance with the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) 2004, transgender people may apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC). Prisoners and staff members in receipt of a GRC have the legal right to be treated as their acquired gender in every respect. In reviewing the policy, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has consulted with the Government’s Legal Department and HMPPS Equalities Team. The new policy will be compliant with the Equality Act 2010, Gender Recognition Act 2004 and the European Convention of Human Rights.

Administrative Law Independent Review

Lord Goodlad: To ask Her Majesty's Government whenthey intendto publish thereport of the Independent Review of Administrative Law.

Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: The Government published the report of the Independent Review of Administrative Law on 18 March. At the same time, it published its response to the report in the form of a consultation document seeking views on a range of proposals for reforming Judicial Review.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Lake Chad Basin: Humanitarian Aid

Lord Judd: To ask Her Majesty's Government what (1) bilateral and (2) multilateral plans they have to avert a humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad region; and what assessment they have made of (1) the short-term, and (2) the long-term impacts of (i) water shortages, (ii) scarcity of arable land, and (iii) conflict and terrorism, on migration in the Lake Chad region.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government is deeply concerned by the conflict in North East Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad Basin, which continues to drive instability, acute food insecurity and malnutrition in the region. We support governments and organisations across the region to address these issues. The UK Government is a leading humanitarian donor and supports the United Nations and non-governmental organisations to provide assistance to people with humanitarian needs. We continue to raise concerns over the humanitarian situation in multilateral fora, most recently by me on 11 March in a food security event at the United Nations.Conflict also remains the primary driver of displacement and irregular migration across the region, compounded by the effects of climate change, disease outbreaks and the impact of coronavirus. To address these combined challenges, the UK Government provides development and stabilisation assistance to improve civilians' access to healthcare and improve livelihoods. We will also continue to work with countries of the Lake Chad Basin to address climate change. These countries are invited to attend COP26 later this year.

Nigeria: Overseas Aid

Baroness Cox: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made (1) of allocating Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Middle Belt in Nigeria, and (2) targeting any such ODA to those displaced by farmer-herder conflict.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains committed to supporting Nigeria's development. As the Foreign Secretary set out in his statement to Parliament, the impact of the global pandemic on the UK economy has forced us to take the tough, but necessary decision to temporarily reduce the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget. We are now working through the implications of these changes for individual programmes in Nigeria and we will release further information once allocations have been approved by Ministers.We continue to encourage the Nigerian Government to take urgent action to protect all those at risk of intercommunal violence to bring perpetrators to justice and to implement long-term solutions that address the root causes of such violence and meet the needs of all communities.

Nigeria: Violence

Baroness Cox: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of attacks by Fulani herders against Yoruba communities in south-west Nigeria.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains committed to supporting Nigeria's development. As the Foreign Secretary set out in his statement to Parliament, the impact of the global pandemic on the UK economy has forced us to take the tough, but necessary decision to temporarily reduce the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget. We are now working through the implications of these changes for individual programmes in Nigeria and we will release further information once allocations have been approved by Ministers.We continue to encourage the Nigerian Government to take urgent action to protect all those at risk of intercommunal violence to bring perpetrators to justice and to implement long-term solutions that address the root causes of such violence and meet the needs of all communities.

Tigray: Humanitarian Aid

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking in response to the remarks bythe UNUnder-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator on 4 March that (1) “a campaign of destruction” is taking place in Tigray, (2) that at least 4.5 million people need humanitarian assistance, and(3) that Eritrean forces should leave Tigray forthwith.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK shares the concerns outlined by the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator in his statement of 4 March on the humanitarian situation in Tigray. The UK has been consistent in calling for free and unfettered humanitarian access to 4.5 million people in need. We have made clear our position that Eritrean forces should withdraw. The Foreign Secretary raised the need for humanitarian access to Tigray with Prime Minister Abiy during his recent visit to Ethiopia and pressed for a political dialogue to bring lasting peace to the region. The Minister for Africa re-enforced the urgency of the need for humanitarian access when he spoke with the Ethiopian Ambassador on 24 February.The UK is working closely with humanitarian and development agencies to make sure aid reaches civilians affected by the fighting. UK-funded aid agencies in Tigray are delivering support in challenging circumstances, including food, shelter, water and healthcare. A joint humanitarian and political team from the British Embassy in Addis Ababa visited Mekelle on 5 March. They met with the provisional administration of Tigray, mayor of Mekelle, humanitarian agencies and people displaced by violence. They heard harrowing accounts of human rights violations, the challenges of aid delivery and how some of the £11.4 million of UK Aid is helping to support those affected by the Tigray conflict. The Government of Ethiopia must act now to protect its people.

Ethiopia: Human Rights

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by Human Rights WatchEthiopia: Eritrean Forces Massacre Tigray Civilians, published on 5 March; and what steps they are taking to hold those responsible for reported mass killings in Axum to account.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: I refer the noble Lord to my response to his Oral question (volume 810, column 1468) answered on 9 March 2021. On 26 February the Minister for Africa stated that we are deeply saddened and concerned by the reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch on the human rights violations of civilians in Axum, Ethiopia. These require a serious and urgent response from the Government of Ethiopia. We continue to call for independent, international investigations into these and other crimes reported in Tigray, and for the Government of Ethiopia to ensure full access for human rights organisations. We have made this clear to the Government of Ethiopia. The Minister for Africa also pressed the need for the immediate withdrawal by Eritrean troops from Tigray and raised our concerns about human rights abuses in Tigray when he met the Eritrean Ambassador to the UK this week.

Philippines: Human Rights

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the human rights situation in the Philippines, and (2) the impact of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (Republic Act No. 11479) on human rights in the Philippines.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains concerned about reports of human rights abuses in the Philippines, including as part of the "war on drugs", the treatment of some human and land rights defenders and journalists, and the 'red-tagging' of activists. We note with concern the killing of nine activists in joint Philippine police and military operations on 7 March.The Minister of state for Asia raised human rights with Foreign Minister Locsin during his visit to Manila on 20 November. Embassy officials also regularly raise human rights concerns with the Philippine Government in Manila. I welcomed the adoption of a resolution on the Philippines at the UN Human Rights Council in October. We support the efforts of the Philippines and the UN to deliver this resolution by developing a technical assistance programme for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines. The UK recognises the threat of terrorism in the Philippines. It is important that terrorism legislation, particularly the Anti-Terrorism Act, is implemented in a way that respects human rights. We incorporate human rights education and advocacy in all our work with the Government of the Philippines, including with the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation. On 3 March, the Ambassador raised human rights with the chief of the Philippines' National Police.

Philippines: Human Rights

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support the rights of the Lumad indigenouspeople in the Philippines.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains concerned about reports of arbitrary arrest and the 'red-tagging' of indigenous people and activists in the Philippines. We have not had specific discussions with the Philippine authorities on the arrest and detention of students and teachers in Cebu on 15 February, however the British Embassy in Manila continues to monitor developments closely. The Minister for Asia raised human rights with Foreign Minister Locsin during his visit to Manila on 20 November. Embassy officials also regularly raise human rights concerns with the Philippine Government in Manila.

Philippines: Human Rights

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made as a member of the UN Human Rights Council about the exercise of human rights in the Philippines.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains concerned about reports of human rights abuses in the Philippines, including as part of the "war on drugs", the treatment of some human and land rights defenders and journalists, and the 'red-tagging' of activists. We note with concern the killing of nine activists in joint Philippine police and military operations on 7 March.The Minister for Asia raised human rights with Foreign Minister Locsin during his visit to Manila on 20 November. Embassy officials also regularly raise human rights concerns with the Philippine Government in Manila. I welcomed the adoption of a resolution on the Philippines at the UN Human Rights Council in October. We support the efforts of the Philippines and the UN to deliver this resolution by developing a technical assistance programme for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines.The UK recognises the threat of terrorism in the Philippines. It is important that terrorism legislation, particularly the Anti-Terrorism Act, is implemented in a way that respects human rights. We incorporate human rights education and advocacy in all our work with the Government of the Philippines, including with the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation. On 3 March, the Ambassador raised human rights with the chief of the Philippines' National Police.

Yemen: Armed Conflict

Lord Judd: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the President of the United States' statement on 4 February that the conflict in Yemen has created a "humanitarian and strategic catastrophe"; and what steps they are taking in partnership with the government of the United States (1) to press for an end to the conflict, and (2) to avoid further acute food and medicine shortages in Yemen.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Yemen remains one of the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with two thirds of the entire population, requiring some form of humanitarian assistance. The recent fighting during February and March has already displaced thousands of civilians, and many more are at risk. The UK is playing a leading role in responding to the crisis in Yemen by contributing over £1 billion to the humanitarian response and through our diplomatic influence.The Government welcomes the focus of the US administration on Yemen. We are working closely with them, and newly appointed Special Envoy Lenderking in particular, to help make quick progress towards a nationwide ceasefire. The Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa spoke with UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths on 1 March to discuss how the UK can best support the UN-led peace process. Ministers and officials regularly engage with all our international partners including the US to ensure life-saving humanitarian aid reaches the millions of Yemenis in need.

Pakistan: Overseas Aid

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much Official Development Assistance has been provided to Pakistan in each of the past ten years; and what proportion of that funding was awarded to educational projects in each of those years.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government has spent £3,068,877,909 on Official Development Assistance in Pakistan in the last 10 years. On average, 28% of this has been spent on educational projects.

Ansar Allah: Proscribed Organisations

Lord Judd: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps, if any, they are taking to review the designation of the Houthi movement as a terrorist organisation.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have no plans to proscribe the Houthis, but we keep the use of sanctions under review. We welcomed the US announcement to revoke the previous administration's designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. The UK had engaged closely with the US administration on this matter, sharing our concerns that designation would disrupt humanitarian operations in Yemen. However, we cannot ignore Houthi actions. We have condemned the Houthis' dangerous military escalation, including cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia and their renewed offensive on Marib. In addition, the UN Security Council recently adopted a UK drafted resolution sanctioning Houthi official Sultan Zabin for the use of sexual violence as a tool of war. We must address the Houthi sense of impunity to make progress on the peace process.

Palestinians: Elections

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that all adult Palestinians in East Jerusalem are able to vote in theupcoming Palestinian elections; and what plans they have for the independent observation of the elections in all the OccupiedPalestinian Territories.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have welcomed President Abbas' announcement of dates for legislative and Presidential elections in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the first time since 2006. We encourage the Palestinian leadership to work toward strong, inclusive, accountable and democratic institutions, based on respect for the rule of law and human rights. Free and fair elections are an important and necessary step. The UK will work closely with the Palestinian Authority and international partners to support this. This includes encouraging the Government of Israel to allow elections in East Jerusalem. We are supportive of Hamas-Fatah reconciliation attempts, and of the Palestinian Authority returning to resume government functions in Gaza, helping to improve the dire humanitarian and economic situation and restore effective and accountable governance.

Yemen: Overseas Aid

Lord Judd: To ask Her Majesty's Government why they are reducing the amount of aid they provide to Yemen.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is facing the worst economic contraction in over 300 years, and a budget deficit of close to £400 billion. As announced last year, given the impact of this global pandemic on the economy and, as a result, the public finances, we will move to a target of spending 0.5% of Gross National Income as Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 2021.On 1 March, the Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa announced that the UK will provide at least £87 million to Yemen over the course of our next financial year (2021/22), with the UK contributing over £1 billion since the conflict began. Our funding will feed an additional 240,000 of the most vulnerable Yemenis every month, support 400 healthcare clinics and provide clean water for 1.6 million people. We will also provide one-off cash support to 1.5 million of Yemen's poorest households to help them buy food and basic supplies.

Overseas Aid

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government which countries are having the amount of aid provided by the Government reduced.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Foreign Secretary has set out seven core priorities for the UK's aid budget in the overarching pursuit of poverty reduction: climate and biodiversity; Covid and global health security; girls' education; science and research; defending open societies and resolving conflict; humanitarian assistance; and promoting trade and economic growth. We are working through our internal business planning process which will allocate the ODA budget across these priorities and geographies.No final decisions have yet been made on budget allocations for 2021/22.

West Bank: Internally Displaced People

Lord Oates: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatassessment they have made of the statement by Save the Children on 3 February that the "number of displaced Palestinian children is at a four-year high as demolitions in the West Bank continue".

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of the Save the Children statement on 3 February. Our Ambassador in Tel Aviv has raised the issue of ongoing demolitions with the Israeli Authorities, most recently in a meeting alongside like-minded partners on 25 February. The Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa called on Israel to stop demolitions on 5 February 2021 and raised his concerns about demolitions of Palestinian homes and structures with the Israeli Ambassador on 29 October 2020. UK officials from the British Consulate in Jerusalem have made regular visits to areas at risk of demolition and eviction to reiterate UK support for those communities. The UK is clear that in all but the most exceptional of circumstances, demolitions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law. The practice causes unnecessary suffering to Palestinians, including Palestinian children, and is harmful to efforts to promote peace.

Philippines: Human Rights

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of the Philippines about the arrest and detention of Lumad students and teachers from the University of San Carlos-Talamban on 15 February.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains concerned about reports of arbitrary arrest and the 'red-tagging' of indigenous people and activists in the Philippines. We have not had specific discussions with the Philippine authorities on the arrest and detention of students and teachers in Cebu on 15 February, however the British Embassy in Manila continues to monitor developments closely. The Minister for Asia raised human rights with Foreign Minister Locsin during his visit to Manila on 20 November. Embassy officials also regularly raise human rights concerns with the Philippine Government in Manila.

Pakistan: Coronavirus

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many doses of COVID-19 vaccines they intend to provide to the government of Pakistan; in providing any such vaccines, what account they will take of reports of inequalities affecting minority communities in that country; and what action the UK High Commissioner to Pakistan will take to ensure the fair operation of the COVAX initiative.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is supporting the equitable rollout of vaccines in Pakistan and around the world through COVAX, an international alliance co-led by the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and World Health Organization. We are one of the world's largest donors to COVAX, contributing £548 million to date. Decisions about the global rollout of the vaccine are for COVAX, which is committed to prioritising distribution where it will have most impact. We understand that COVAX plans to provide around 90 million vaccine doses to Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan is finalising its vaccination roll out plan for refugees in close consultation with UNHCR and other stakeholders. We are in close contact with the Pakistani authorities to support this effort.The UK is providing an additional £4.67 million through the World Health Organisation to support Pakistan's COVID-19 Preparedness and Response plan. This will help provide medical assistance to the seriously ill, infection prevention and control, and increased testing capacity. We will continue to ensure that our programme of COVID-19 assistance to Pakistan helps those at risk and reaches the most vulnerable, including minority communities.

Overseas Aid: Fossil Fuels

Baroness Blackstone: To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the total value of overseas aid invested in fossil fuels via (1) the CDC Group, and (2) the Private Infrastructure Development Group, including investments made through financial intermediaries, for the (a) 2015/16, (b) 2016/17, (c) 2017/18, (d) 2018/19, and (e) 2019/20, tax years.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: CDC has published its complete portfolio of energy investments as held at 31 December 2019 on its website, which includes the start date of each investment and the total amount committed.The value of Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) commitments to energy projects (disaggregated by renewables and non-renewables) is published in the 2019 PIDG Annual Review available on the PIDG website. Project level data on all PIDG investment commitments are also available online via its Results Monitoring Database and its annual reports.Due to the disproportionate cost of compiling the requested data, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the total value of support provided to overseas fossil fuels projects or companies via the CDC Group and PIDG.

Ministry of Defence

Occupied Territories

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 3 March to investigate individuals in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel, what assessment they have made of the risk to British Armed Forces personnel of investigation by the ICC into alleged war crimes, regardless of the adequacy of investigations into the allegations within the UK.

Baroness Goldie: I refer the noble Baroness to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Minister for the Armed Forces (James Heappey), in the House of Commons on 9 March 2021 to the hon. Member for Bolton West (Chris Green) in response to Question 160692.160692 - International Criminal Court (docx, 15.2KB)

Department for Work and Pensions

Disability: Employment

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to address the disability employment gap.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: This Government is committed to improving the lives of disabled people and delivering the most ambitious disability reform agenda in a generation. A range of initiatives are supporting disabled people to stay in and enter work. These include the Work and Health Programme, Intensive Personalised Employment Support, Access to Work, Disability Confident and initiatives in partnership with the health system, including Employment Advice in NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapy services and Individual Placement and Support. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have provided specialist employment support remotely and made programmes easier to access. In 2017, we set a goal to see one million more disabled people in work by 2027. In the first three years of the goal, between 2017 and 2020, the number of disabled people in employment increased by 800,000. The Department is bringing forward a Green Paper on health and disability support. The Green Paper will consider how we improve our current service so it’s better and easier to use, explore how we provide extra support to navigate the system, and understand how we improve our employment support offer. Later this year we intend to publish our response to the 2019 consultation ‘Health is Everyone's Business proposals to reduce ill-health related job loss’ in which the Government consulted on ways to support and encourage employers to minimise the risk of ill-health related job loss among their employees. Additionally, the Government plans to publish a National Strategy for Disabled People in this year to ensure that all disabled people can play a full role in society. The strategy will take into account the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on disabled people with focus on the issues that affect them the most.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Food: Imports

Lord Judd: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that overseas food producers growing food for UK consumption are assisted to transition to a low carbon economy.

Lord Gardiner of Kimble: Sustainable agriculture and land use are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and objectives of the Paris Agreement. The 2019 IPCC land-use report sets out the critical role that sustainable land use must play in climate mitigation and building resilience. The 2019 IPBES report warns of a pending collapse of nature, with land use change identified as the main driver. We need a food systems and land use revolution on the same scale of the transition to clean energy. A revolution with people, planet and prosperity at its heart. The COP26 Nature Campaign aims to raise the profile of this agenda, building on the Just Rural Transition (JRT) launched at the UN Climate Action Summit and providing a platform to highlight actions that leading countries are taking to deliver change. The Government is delivering on the building and securing political ambition through several pillars of the campaign through: Forest, Agriculture and Commodity Trade Dialogue – a global dialogue between producer and consumer countries of internationally traded forest and agricultural commodities to establish collectively how we will work together to support sustainable supply chains, protecting forests and reducing biodiversity loss while promoting trade, market access, economic development and food security;Sustainable Agriculture and JRT – accelerating effort for a transition to sustainable agriculture through policy action, innovation and investment, for healthy diets, economies and people;Mobilise increased Finance for Nature– mobilising investment in the private sector, public sectors and with multilateral development banks to deliver increased and more sustainable climate finance to scale up investment in nature, including Nature based Solutions.  Defra continues to position the UK’s commitment to sustainable agriculture through Government Trade Dialogues and Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Defra also runs a number of Agricultural Dialogues with partner countries which provide opportunities to share UK values on environmental and sustainability issues by exchanging policy and best practice on sustainable agriculture and supply chains in light of the UK’s Due Diligence legislation. Collaboration through dialogues such as these are key to promoting the UK’s environmental objectives while assisting overseas trading partners in achieving the transition to a low carbon economy. Defra’s International Climate Finance (ICF) contributions enable the UK to meet international commitments on the environment by supporting developing countries promote sustainable livelihoods and low carbon agriculture. For example, since 2012, the UK has invested £62 million to promote sustainable agriculture in Brazil through the Low Carbon Agriculture (LCA) Programme. Phase I of the LCA brought 46,472 hectares of land under sustainable land management and resulted in over 8.9 Mt of avoided greenhouse gas emissions. Defra is also playing a key role in catalysing the private sector to support environmentally sustainable land-use. Through its ICF, Defra has invested in the Land Degradation Neutrality fund and Eco.Business Fund, impact investment funds which seek to encourage private sector investment in more sustainable production and consumption practices to protect nature and reduce climate change. The UK has committed to increase finance for nature through its ICF to at least £3bn from 2021 to 2026. The Government is also currently considering the findings of Professor Dasgupta’s landmark review of the economics of biodiversity and will respond in Spring 2021.

Boats: Exhaust Emissions

Lord Krebs: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to reducesmoke and diesel pollution from canal boats moored in residential areas; and what assessment they have made of the case for removing the exemption for such vessels fromthe Clean Air Act 1954.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Domestic solid fuel burning is a major contributor to fine particulate matter emissions, and in line with our Clean Air Strategy, we are taking action to tackle this issue including from moored canal boats. Through the Environment Bill we are amending the Clean Air Act 1993 to make it easier for local authorities to reduce smoke emissions from domestic burning in smoke control areas (SCAs). This includes enabling local authorities to bring moored inland waterway vessels such as canal boats into scope of SCAs should they have a specific issue in their area. In such cases, chimney smoke from boats could be liable to a financial penalty. The use of this power will be subject to public consultation by local authorities. In addition, we recently introduced new legislation to restrict the sale of the most polluting solid fuels used in domestic burning, including on canal boats used for permanent habitation. The aim of this legislation is to drive a transition to cleaner fuels: from wet wood to dry wood (which can reduce emissions by 50%), and from traditional house coal to smokeless coal and low sulphur manufactured solid fuels. We will also be ensuring that only the cleanest stoves are available for sale by 2022. My department will continue to review emissions from these sources and will monitor the impact of the new legislation, considering in due course any additional legislative measures that may be needed to reduce emission levels further.

Animals: Exports

Lord Rogan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to recruit fully trained veterinary professionals tocarry out the necessary veterinary controls and inspectionsin Northern Ireland.

Lord Rogan: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many fully qualified (1) veterinarians, and (2) meat hygiene inspectors, were employed to conduct veterinary controls and inspections in Northern Ireland from 1 January to 31 December 2020.

Lord Rogan: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many fully qualified (1) veterinarians, and (2) meat hygiene inspectors, they estimate will be required to conduct veterinary controls and inspections in Northern Ireland when the grace period provided for by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland expires.

Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The recruitment of veterinary professionals for carrying out veterinary controls and inspections in Northern Ireland is a devolved matter. This means that the responsible department is the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland (DAERA). Veterinary controls and inspections do not only take place in ports and airports but include work done on farms and in various types of establishment, including slaughterhouses. During the month of June 2020 (being typical of the base-line position for calendar year 2020) the number of staff employed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland to carry out veterinary controls and inspections was in the order of:- 114 qualified veterinarians,- 69 qualified meat hygiene inspectors, and- 27 trainee meat hygiene inspectors. At that time the number of staff employed in northern Ireland’s ports and airports, and authorised to carry out veterinary controls and inspections and participate in the goods clearance process was of the order of:- Veterinarians – 1- Portal Inspectors – 41 Inspectors working in the ports are not meat hygiene inspectors but are portal inspectors who have received training in that specific role. Meat hygiene inspectors are only employed in DAERA’s Veterinary Public Health Programme which delivers the Official Controls in Food Business Operator premises on behalf of the Food Standards Agency for Northern Ireland. When the grace period provided for by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland expires Northern Ireland the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs currently estimates that the number of staff required to conduct veterinary controls and inspections in Northern Ireland will, in total, approximate to:- 186 qualified veterinarians,- 69 qualified meat hygiene inspectors, and- 27 trainee meat hygiene inspectors. The most recent estimates for the numbers of staff that will be required to conduct veterinary controls and inspections in Northern Ireland ports and airports, when the grace period provided for by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland expires, is as follows:Staff officially authorised to participate in the goods clearance process:- Veterinarians – 72- Officially authorised portal inspectors – 122- Officially authorised portal administrative officers – 80Staff providing operational support:- Industrial grade animal handlers – 12- Stevedores – 72Support staff providing general administrative, professional and technical services:- Veterinarians, Portal Inspectors and admin staff - 3 DAERA is on track to spend a total of £16m on personnel, infrastructure and IT systems to the end of the current financial year for the work necessary to carry out the required sanitary and phytosanitary checks at Northern Ireland’s Points of Entry.

Home Office

Migrant Workers: British National (Overseas)

Lord Green of Deddington: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number ofBritish National (Overseas) passport holders and their dependants who may apply to work in the UK; and how many of these would meet the English language requirements that apply to migrants from elsewhere.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: On 31 January, the Home Office launched the new Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) route. The route will enable BN(O) status holders and their eligible family members to come to the UK to live, work and study.As set out in the published impact assessment, our central estimates of those who will take up this offer range between 123,000 and 153,700 BN(O) status holders and their dependants coming in the first year and between 258,000 and 322,400 over five years. Details of the impact assessment can be found at:https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2020/70/pdfs/ukia_20200070_en.pdfWe have communicated the expectation throughout the development of the route; applicants should be self-sufficient and economically active. Part of the integration planning for the new BN(O) route includes access to support materials to help BN(O) status holders find work. There are no minimum skill levels or salary thresholds on this route as it comes with a general right to work in the UK.There is no English language requirement when applying for the BN(O) route so this aspect is not assessed, although English is commonly used in Hong Kong.The government looks forward to welcoming applications from those British National (Overseas) who wish to make our United Kingdom their home.

Private Rented Housing: Evictions and Harassment

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (1) harassment, and (2) unlawful eviction, offences under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 have been recorded by each of the police forces in England and Wales in each of the past three financial years.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Offences of harassment and unlawful eviction, under the Protection from Eviction act 1977, are recorded by police in England and Wales as a subset of ‘Offence code 99, Other Notifiable Offences’. The Home Office publishes data on Police Recorded Crime by offence code.The most recently published data, up to September 2020, can be found below: (see attached table)https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police-recorded-crime-open-data-tablesPolice Recorded Crime Stats  (pdf, 276.6KB)Police Recorded Crime Data 2013 - onwards  (xlsx, 7999.8KB)

Asylum: Napier Barracks

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the findings by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration on the use of Napier Barracks as contingency asylum accommodation; and what steps they will take further to those findings.

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many refugees were accommodated at (1) Napier Barracks, and (2) Pennally Camp, on (a) 1 December 2020, and (b) 1 March 2021.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Napier and Penally have been used to accommodate destitute asylum seekers. On 1 December 2020, 403 asylum seekers were accommodated at Napier and 148 at Penally. On 1 March 2021, these figures were 55 and 65 respectively.The department acknowledges the ICIBI’s decision to publish on 8 March 2021 the initial findings from site visits to Napier Barracks and Penally. The ICIBI’s inspection report will be laid before Parliament in the usual way after the inspection has concluded. The Department will issue a formal response alongside the report as it is published on Gov.UK.It is not known when the final inspection report will be received as this is a matter for the ICIBI.

UK Border Force: Heathrow Airport

Baroness Randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to increase the number of Border Force staff at Heathrow Airport; and what steps they have taken to verify the accuracy of reports of excessive waiting times for border checks at that airport.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Wait times in airports can be caused by a number of factors, not just related to resourcing. This includes all mandated border security activity, the volume of immigration case working, additional support and checks in relation to Covid-19, and specific security activity. Our teams seek to balance this range of tasking each day. Whilst mindful of passenger wait times and experience, our primary objective is to ensure the security of the border.Like all public services operating throughout this unprecedented global pandemic, there have been additional pressures placed on Border Force and the safety of the public and our staff remains our priority.Resource and staffing requirements at every port, including Heathrow, are continually reviewed by Border Force working with airport operators including Heathrow Airport Ltd. Resources are deployed flexibly as and when they are required.

Counter-terrorism

Lord Pearson of Rannoch: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Williams of Trafford on 1 December 2020 (HL10439), what assessment they have made of any Islamist teaching in mosques in the UK; what assessment they have made of the number of Imams in the UK who cannot speak English; and what plans they have to require services in mosques in the UK to be conducted in English.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Religious organisations and faith-based institutions may recruit religious leaders from overseas via our T2 Minister of Religion route. The Immigration Rules governing this category require applicants to demonstrate a strong command of the English language in order to qualify for a visa.Muslims make an enormous contribution to British society and have done so for centuries. Islam is a religion observed peacefully by over a billion people worldwide and we remain clear that Islamist extremism is not true Islam. Whether through Islamism or any other ideology, the Government is committed to tackling those who spread views that promote violence and hatred against individuals and communities in our society, and that radicalise others into terrorism.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Belfast

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive about their decision to open an office of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in Belfast.

Lord Greenhalgh: We are committed to moving more civil servants out of London and closer to the communities they serve - including Northern Ireland. We will shortly start recruiting civil servants to be based in Northern Ireland, to help implement new UK-wide investment programmes announced in the Budget, benefitting from local knowledge of projects coming forward and working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive and others to maximise investment opportunities.

Local Government: Equality

Baroness Wolf of Dulwich: To ask Her Majesty's Government how someone in England with at least one protected characteristic who considers that their local authority is in breach of its obligations under the Equality Act 2010 can escalate a complaint once the local authority complaints process has been exhausted.

Baroness Wolf of Dulwich: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with theLocal Government and Social Care Ombudsman about the equalities duties of local authorities.

Baroness Wolf of Dulwich: To ask Her Majesty's Government what organisations or persons have a duty to enforce the equalitiesobligations of local authorities towards persons with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Lord Greenhalgh: It is the role of each local authority’s Monitoring Officer to report to the local authority where it appears to them the authority has done, or is about to do, anything which would contravene the law - including contravention of its duties under the Equality Act 2010 - or would amount to maladministration, at all times.The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman is charged by Parliament with the investigation of complaints from members of the public who have suffered personal injustice arising from maladministration by local authorities, including injustice arising from failure to uphold the local authority’s obligations under the Equality Act 2010, once an authority’s formal complaints process has been exhausted. Information regarding how to raise a complaint with the Ombudsman and the types of faults the Ombudsman will investigate may be found on its website at; www.lgo.org.uk.The Ombudsman is independent in matters relating to the investigation and reporting of complaints. Decisions are published on the Ombudsman’s website as well as thematic focus reports to highlight common or systemic concerns.Where the Ombudsman finds no maladministration or cannot investigate, a member of the public who disagrees with the decision of their local authority may seek judicial review of the local authority’s decision through the courts. I would however advise anyone considering taking legal action to seek independent legal advice before doing so.

Local Government: Audit

Lord Shipley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to establish a regulatory framework for the audits of local authorities; and whether any such plans would include the appointment of a regulator to assess and advise on such audit reports.

Lord Greenhalgh: The Government published its response to the Redmond Review of local authority financial reporting and external audit on 17 December 2020. The current regulatory framework for local audit was one of the matters considered by the review. We are giving close consideration to Sir Tony Redmond’s finding that the local audit framework is too fragmented and are committed to exploring the full range of options as to how the recommendations relating to system leadership can best be achieved and will update on this further later in the Spring.

Housing: Disability

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend to publish a summary of responses to their Raising accessibility standards for new homesconsultation, which closed on 1 December 2020.

Lord Greenhalgh: The Government response to the consultation on raising accessibility standards for new homes will be published later this year and it will include a summary of responses.

Buildings: Insulation

The Lord Bishop of London: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to ensure that leaseholders are not required to pay for the removal of unsafe cladding from residential blocks before the Building Safety Bill 2019–2021 becomes law.

Lord Greenhalgh: The Government has announced over £5 billion in grant funding towards the remediation of unsafe cladding from buildings over 18m in height. This is in line with longstanding expert advice on which buildings are at the highest risk.Alongside this a generous finance scheme will provide for remediation of unsafe cladding on buildings of 11-18 metres in height. We are committed to making sure no leaseholder in these buildings will have to pay more than £50 per month towards this remediation.The most a leaseholder will now have to pay towards remediating unsafe cladding is £50pcm. Many will pay nothing at all.

Cabinet Office

Elections

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to widen consultation onthe operation of electionsin future to include (1) independent representatives, and (2) parties with at least one MP.

Lord True: Where it is appropriate to consult with political parties on the conduct of elections, the Government is committed to ensuring that all relevant views are taken into account. In developing recent guidance to support campaigning ahead of the May elections, the Government consulted a number of groups, including the Parliamentary Parties Panel, the Green Party and others, as well as the Local Government Association. We are committed to ensuring we take into consideration the views of independent candidates as effectively as possible.

Euthanasia

Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to conduct a public consultation on (1) the impact of the (a) COVID-19 pandemic, (b) demographic change in the UK, and (c) global population growth, on public services, and (2) the legislative framework relating to voluntary euthanasia.

Lord True: There are currently no such plans to conduct public consultations as described.

Government Departments: Contracts

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is their policy for contracts with private companies to prohibit those companies from making contributions to (1) political parties, and (2) think tanks by (a) those companies, and (b) their subcontractors; and if so, in what circumstances such a policy is altered.

Lord True: The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 require contracting authorities to take appropriate measures to effectively prevent, identify and remedy conflicts of interest arising in the conduct of procurement procedures so as to avoid any distortion of competition and to ensure equal treatment of all economic operators.

Cabinet Office: Buildings

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much money they are spending on the (1) development, and (2) construction, of a Situation Centre in 70 Whitehall.

Lord True: £9.3m has been allocated in the 2021/22 spending review for development of a National Situation Centre, spanning establishing a permanent team, data and analytic capabilities, and physical build.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many care home residents and staff (1) tested positive for, and (2) died as a result of, COVID-19 in (a) England, (b) Northern Ireland, (c) Scotland, and (d) Wales, in (i) November 2020, (ii) December 2020, (iii) January, and (iv) February.

Lord True: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician The Rt Hon. the Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBEHouse of LordsLondonSW1A 0PW 15 March 2021 Dear Lord Hunt, As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking how many care home residents and staff (1) tested positive for, and (2) died as a result of, COVID-19 in (a) England, (b) Northern Ireland, (c) Scotland, and (d) Wales, in (i) November 2020, (ii) December 2020, (iii) January, and (iv) February (HL14039). The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes statistics on deaths registered in England and Wales. Mortality statistics are compiled from information supplied when deaths are certified and registered as part of civil registration. National Records for Scotland[1] and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency[2] are responsible for publishing statistics on deaths registered in Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively. Table 1 below shows the number of deaths involving COVID-19 among care home residents registered for the months November 2020 to February 2021 in England and Wales. The term "care home residents" refers to all deaths where either (a) the death occurred in a care home or (b) the death occurred elsewhere but the place of residence of the deceased was recorded as a care home. We do not hold any information on the number of care home staff who have died as a result of COVID-19 therefore we are not able to provide this information. The Department of Health and Social Care are responsible for data on care home infections.[3]  Yours sincerely,Professor Sir Ian Diamond   Table 1: Number of deaths involving COVID-19 among care home residents registered from November 2020 to February 2021 in England and Wales[4],[5],[6],[7],[8],[9],[10] MonthEnglandWales Nov-202,321239Dec-203,393284Jan-217,587482Feb-215,067191Source: Office for National Statistics[1]https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/[2]https://www.nisra.gov.uk/[3]https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care[4] Deaths for England and Wales exclude non-residents.[5] Figures are provisional for 2020 and 2021.[6] The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) definitions are as follows: coronavirus (COVID-19) (U.071, U.072, U.099, U.109).[7] Deaths "involving COVID-19" includes deaths that have COVID-19 mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, whether as underlying cause or not.[8] These figures are calculated using the most up-to-date data we have available to get the most accurate estimates.[9] Based on boundaries as of November 2020.[10] Based on deaths registered in each calendar month.

Ports: Customs

Baroness Randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether UK ports will have the necessary facilities (1) prepared, and (2) able to operate, in time for the introduction of additional border checks in July; and if the facilities will not be ready, what contingency arrangements they plan to introduce.

Lord Frost: I refer the Noble Lady to the Written Statement published on 11 March.StatementMy Rt Hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Michael Gove MP), has today made the following written statement:On 31 December last year, the UK left the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union. This was the biggest change in the UK’s trading relationships for decades. The Government has always been clear that this meant change for business and for citizens, including new processes and requirements.The first phase of such changes came in on 1 January. The Government has put in place the staffing, infrastructure, and IT to deal with the situation. Thanks to the hard work of traders and hauliers, we have not seen anything like the generalised disruption at our ports which many predicted, and supply chains have shown themselves to be robust.However, the Government recognises the scale and significance of the challenges businesses have been facing in adjusting to the new requirements, at the same time as dealing with the impacts of COVID.Last June, we announced a timetable for the phased introduction of controls on imports from the EU into Great Britain, to ensure businesses could prepare in a phased way. This timetable was based on the impacts of the first wave of COVID. We know now that the disruption caused by COVID has lasted longer and has been deeper than we anticipated. Accordingly, the Government has reviewed these timeframes.Although we recognise that many in the border industry and many businesses have been investing time and energy to be ready on time, and indeed we in Government were confident of being ready on time, we have listened to businesses who have made a strong case that they need more time to prepare. In reviewing the timeframes, we have given strong weight to the disruption which has been caused, and is still being caused, by COVID, and the need to ensure that the economy can recover fully.We are therefore announcing today a clear revised timetable for the introduction of controls, as follows:Pre-notification requirements for Products of Animal Origin (POAO), certain animal by-products (ABP), and High Risk Food Not Of Animal Origin (HRFNAO) will not be required until 1 October 2021. Export Health Certificate requirements for POAO and certain ABP will come into force on the same date.Customs import declarations will still be required, but the option to use the deferred declaration scheme, including submitting supplementary declarations up to six months after the goods have been imported, has been extended to 1 January 2022.Safety and Security Declarations for imports will not be required until 1 January 2022.Physical SPS checks for POAO, certain ABP, and HRFNAO will not be required until 1 January 2022. At that point they will take place at Border Control Posts.Physical SPS checks on high risk plants will take place at Border Control Posts, rather than at the place of destination as now, from 1 January 2022.Pre-notification requirements and documentary checks, including phytosanitary certificates will be required for low risk plants and plant products, and will be introduced from 1 January 2022.From March 2022, checks at Border Control Posts will take place on live animals and low risk plants and plant products.Traders moving controlled goods into Great Britain will continue to be ineligible for the deferred customs declaration approach. They will therefore be required to complete a full customs declaration when the goods enter Great Britain.Controls and checks on Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods are of course a devolved matter and we continue to work closely with the Devolved Administrations on their implementation, in particular with the Welsh Government on their timetable for completing supporting Border Control Post infrastructure in Wales.We will continue to engage extensively with businesses to support them to adjust to the new requirements already in place and to prepare for the new requirements set out above so that they can continue to trade successfully under the new arrangements.

Joint Consultative Working Group

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many meetings of the Joint Working Consultative Committee have taken place between the UK and the EU to discuss the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government on which days between 1 January to date the UK–EU Joint Working Consultative Committee has met to discuss the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland; and what issues were discussed at those meetings.

Lord Frost: The Joint Consultative Working Group briefly convened for a very short period on 29 January to adopt the Rules of Procedure. This was not a full meeting so was attended by limited delegations of only three officials from each side.The Working Group will continue to meet at dates decided by the co-chairs.

UK Relations with EU: Northern Ireland

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the operation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Lord Frost: There have been challenges in the operation of the Protocol since the beginning of the year but the invocation of Article 16 on 29 January compounded those issues and undermined confidence across Northern Ireland.Urgent progress is required to address outstanding concerns about the Protocol and restore confidence on the ground in Northern Ireland. Our discussions continue in the Joint Committee framework to take that forward. To provide space for those discussions without the threat of significant disruption for day-to-day lives in Northern Ireland, last week the Government set out several temporary operational measures to provide more time for businesses, such as supermarkets and their suppliers, to adapt to new requirements. These measures are lawful as part of a progressive and good faith implementation of the Protocol.

Department for International Trade

Office for Investment

Lord Lennie: To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the (1) numbers, (2) names, and (3) countries of origin, of (a) businesses, and (b) investors, theOffice for Investment has met with since it was launched in 2020.

Lord Lennie: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much total investment has been secured by the Office for Investment since it was launched in 2020; and in which sectors this investment has been secured.

Lord Lennie: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Office for Investment seeks investment from (1) companies, or (2) investors, who are operating in the (a) oil, (b) gas, and (c) coal, sectors.

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: The Office for Investment was launched in November 2020 as a small, agile team with the convening power to corral an all of government approach to unblocking barriers for the most high-impact, high-value investors and turning the UK’s investment aspirations into investable propositions. The Office is working closely with the Department for International Trade’s Posts and Regions as well as other relevant government departments, to identify and secure major investment into the UK demonstrating the government’s ambition to be the best place in the world for investors. The Office is pursuing investment opportunities that represent the greatest strategic value to the UK economy, and which align with the government’s priorities on levelling up and net zero. Inward investment is integral to the UK’s post-COVID response.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Entertainers: EU Countries

Lord Smith of Finsbury: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Barran on 9 March (HL13616), to provide a list of the people they have appointed to their working group on the ability of UK artists to perform in the EU.

Lord Smith of Finsbury: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Barran on 9 March (HL13616), whether their working group onthe ability of UK artists to perform in the EU includes, or will hear from, performers with experience of applying for the necessary visas.

Baroness Barran: The Government recognises the importance of the creative and cultural sectors, and is committed to helping them navigate the new rules under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.The DCMS-led working group on creative and cultural touring, which involves sector representatives and other key government departments, is looking at the issues and options to help the sectors resume touring with ease as soon as it is safe to do so.Membership of the Working Group includes a range of sector representative bodies, including: Association of Independent Music, the Music Managers’ Forum, Musicians’ Union, UK Music, BPI, LIVE, the Association of British Orchestras, UK Theatre, One Dance UK, the Incorporated Society of Musicians, the Creative Industries Federation, the Featured Artists Coalition, National Museum Directors’ Council, ACE, the British Fashion Council, the Production Services Association, Creative Scotland, Arts Councils for each of the nations, Logistics UK, the Road Haulage Association, #WeMakeEvents and the Council of Music Makers .Sector representatives that are in attendance are encouraged to reach out to others to ensure the working group hears and understands the concerns from organisations and individuals right across the cultural and creative sectors.

Entertainers: EU Countries

Lord German: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer byBaroness Barran on 11 March (HL Deb, cols 1799–1800), on what dates the working group on creative and cultural touring has met since 5 February.

Lord German: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Baroness Barran on 11 March (HL Deb, cols 1799–1800), what steps they have taken following the meeting of the working group on creative and cultural touring.

Baroness Barran: The Government recognises the world-leading position of the UK creative and cultural sectors and the rich breadth of talent across the UK.We understand the concerns about the new arrangements for touring following the end of the transition period, and we are committed to supporting the sectors as they get to grips with the changes to systems and processes. We are now working urgently across government and in collaboration with the music and wider creative industries, including through the DCMS-led working group, to help address these issues.The first working group meeting was held on 5 February, and was chaired by the Minister of State for Digital and Culture. Further working group meetings took place on 15 February and 5 March. DCMS is looking at a range of options to ensure we can provide individuals and businesses with access to the right support, at the right time, so that touring in Europe can resume with ease as soon as it is safe to do so

Entertainers: EU Countries

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to theletter from the Minister of State for Digital and Culture to the Chair of the House of Commons Petitions Committee on 4 March, how the EU’s proposals on visa-free travel for touring professionals and artists was"not consistent with our manifesto commitment to take back control of our borders".

Baroness Barran: The EU tabled text regarding the paid activities that could be allowed as part of visa-free visits. However, these proposals would not have addressed the creative and cultural sectors’ concerns. The proposals were non-binding, did not include touring but only ‘ad-hoc performances’, did not include technical staff, and did not address work permits.The EU’s proposals were also part of a wider package, including a visa-waiver for all EU citizens that was not consistent with the manifesto commitment to take back control of our borders. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement allows the UK to determine whether short-term visits from the EU should be subject to visa requirements or not, and ensures that the provision will not apply to future Member States unless the UK agrees to apply these provisions to do so.The UK’s rules for touring creative professionals are significantly more generous than in many EU Member States. We have said our door is open if the EU is willing to reconsider its position.

Musicians: EU Countries

Lord Aberdare: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to initiate formal bilateral talks with any EU member states on reciprocal arrangements for touring musicians during this calendar year.

Baroness Barran: This Government recognises the importance of touring for UK cultural professionals and understands that the cultural and creative sectors rely on the ability to move people across borders quickly, simply, and with minimal cost and administration.The UK’s rules for touring creative professionals are more generous than many EU Member States. Our door is open if the EU is willing to reconsider its position, and it is within Member States’ gift to match our arrangements..We are now working urgently across government and in collaboration with the music and wider creative industries, including through the DCMS-led working group, to look at the issues and options, such as working with bilateral partners in Europe, to help the sectors resume touring with ease as soon as it is safe to do so.

Music: UK Trade With EU

Lord Aberdare: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the merits of providing financial support to music exporters looking to export to the EU.

Baroness Barran: The Government recognises the world-leading position of the UK music sector and the rich breadth of musical talent across the UK. According to UK Music’s 2020 report, the sector contributed £5.8bn GVA to the UK economy in 2019 and generated £2.9bn in export revenue.Leaving the EU has always meant that there would be changes to how creative professionals operate in the EU. UK musicians are, of course, still able to tour and perform in the EU. However, we understand the concerns about the new arrangements and we are committed to supporting the sectors as they get to grips with the changes to systems and processes. We are now working urgently across government and in collaboration with the music and wider creative industries, including through the DCMS-led working group, to look at the issues and options to help the sectors resume touring with ease as soon as it is safe to do so.The UK music industry continues to benefit from the Department for International Trade’s Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) which has been running since 2014. Over 280 small and medium-sized music businesses from across the UK have received grants through the scheme to support marketing and promotional activities to help them grow their international business. The government also funds The International Showcase Fund, which is administered by PRS Foundation and awards grants to enable music artists and creators to perform at key music showcase events and conferences around the world.

Events Industry: Insurance

Lord Aberdare: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the accessibility of commercial COVID-19 cancellation insurance for live events.

Baroness Barran: The Government is aware of the concerns which have been raised about the challenge of securing indemnity cover for live events. My officials continue to work closely with the affected sectors to understand all barriers to reopening, including potential challenges around indemnity cover.For instance, DCMS has established a sector-led sub-group for Outdoor Events and Festivals. The sub-group, chaired by industry, has developed draft planning guidance for how music festivals may be able to take place in the future, and adapt to the latest regulations and guidance, with input from Public Health England (PHE) and DCMS. There is also a dedicated Indoor Venues Steering Group, similarly tasked and composed of industry representatives, PHE and DCMS officials.

COP26

UN Climate Conference 2021: Females

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park on 8 March (HL13434), how they are selecting women’s civil society organisations to be consulted in relation to COP26; and whether they will publish a list of all those consulted.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We recognise that progress on gender equality can drive progress on climate action and vice versa. This is why the COP26 unit’s dedicated civil society and youth engagement team is working with diverse individuals and groups to amplify the voices of those most impacted by climate change in the run up to COP26, including women and girls. The team welcomes engagement with organisations that have an interest in gender-responsive climate action.The COP President-Designate has regular engagements with the Friends of COP and Civil Society and Youth Advisory council. When selecting the membership of these groups, inclusivity was at the centre of our approach. We have strived to ensure they have global representation, expertise and influence, as well as gender balance. The membership of both of these groups is publicly available as deposited papers in the UK Parliament's Libraries. The 6 weekly calls the COP26 unit runs with civil society and youth organisations is an open invite to ensure that we are consulting the broadest range of groups in the run-up to COP26, and we encourage, in particular, those from the global south and most marginalised groups to join.To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, the COP26 unit profiled the pioneering work of women climate actors from across the world on COP26 social media channels and through a panel event.The COP President-Designate is committed to meeting with civil society and youth during his international visits and in February, met with inspiring women climate leaders in Nepal. The UK COP26 presidency is aware that we cannot tackle climate change effectively without ensuring inclusion is placed front and centre of our climate action.

UN Climate Conference 2021: Coronavirus

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to require COP26 attendees to show proof that they have received a COVID-19 vaccination before granting admittance to the event.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We continue to monitor the COVID situation, including recent developments on vaccines, and will adapt our plans to adopt the most appropriate preventative measures at the most appropriate time. In doing so we remain mindful of our commitment to an inclusive COP.We are aware there are groups for whom vaccination is not medically advisable; and that global access to vaccines is not consistent – the UK is committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive COP that recognises the different approaches globally.The health of participants and the local community is foremost in our minds.